The 'Ras Malé' reclamation project has been inaugurated.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the reclamation project during a ceremony held for the occasion at Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon on Monday evening.

The ceremony was joined by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and his spouse Aishath Afreen Mohamed.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Muizzu highlighted that Ras Malé will be developed as a city, which will require the reclamation of 1,153 hectares of land.

The president went on to reaffirm his pledge to complete the project within eight months following the commencement of the project.

The incumbent administration claims that alleviating the housing crisis faced by the capital city’s residents, is one of their key pledges.

President Muizzu proposed a strategic solution to this issue through the reclamation and subsequent development of Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon as a city and following its successful completion, it would create a land mass three times the area of the two phases of Hulhumalé.

With this, the project has been dubbed the “most” extensive land reclamation project ever undertaken in the Maldives.

Further, the president noted that his focus is currently on addressing pressing national matters, after which he would focus on resolving the housing crisis.

As such, President Muizzu expressed his strategic vision for developing urban centers and establishing integrated development zones in the north and south in a bid to address housing issues by providing planned, systematic housing solutions for all communities.

The president also announced that his administration would pave way for affordable construction loans soon.

Further, he stated that 85 additional hectares of land from Gulhifalhu would be reclaimed, with a bridge connecting to Giraavarufalhu for which 50 hectares of land are to be reclaimed.

He said that these efforts would resolve the housing issue in the area as it would create 65,000 housing plots or flats for residents.

President Muizzu also shared plans to extend housing eligibility in the Greater Malé Region to residents from across the Maldives and stated that the ferry network connecting Malé to Ras Malé would involve modern express speed boats.

In addition to this, the president shed light on plans to construct an airstrip connected to Ras Malé near Fushi Dhiggaru, ensuring it would not disrupt the operations at Velana International Airport (VIA).

Ras Malé is expected to pave the path for expanded trade and revenue, as well as the formation of more employment opportunities.

President Muizzu had shed light on his strategic plan to begin reclamation works in Fushi Dhiggaru within a period of 30 days, during the inauguration of the new clock tower in Maafannu-ward of the capital city on 18 November 2023.

The president went on to express commitment to follow through on the promises he made to the people.